Sunday, October 24, 2004

Another doctor visit

On Friday we went to Luke's gastrologist. It was a very good visit. He talked to us about changing Luke's feeding tube from a j-tube to a gj-tube. The main difference is that the gj-tube has two ports, one that ends in the lower intestine like the j-tube and the second that ends in the stomach. It is like having a g-tube and a j-tube in one. With switching to a gj-tube, the Dr wants to do another swallow study and a stomach emptying study. These two studies will determine how far we can proceed. If all goes well, we will be able to begin feeding him via the g-port in more concentrated feeding instead of the drip-feeding. Also, we could feed him more normal food that is blenderized instead of the formula based feeding. This is a big deal and I say "Thank You Lord"!

Q: question... I hope it is okay to ask... the other children... how are they doing? How are the little guys doing?

A: First, yes, it is okay to ask questions; in fact it helps me to know what to write. I will go through each one and give you an update along with a PR (Prayer Requests).

Daniel - As you know he is attending a school of ministry and loving it. He is really busy, so we only see him on the weekend and sometimes every other weekend. The Lord is stretching Daniel in new ways and increasing his faith to a new level. His host family has been a big blessing to him. They have 5 children and homeschool, so it is a normal busy house, just like home. PR: Please pray that God will continue to reveal himself to Daniel and that he will give Daniel clarity about future ministry.

Amy - She turned 17 last week. Where does the time go? My little girl has turned into a beautiful young woman, although she will always be my little girl. Amy is a mature 17 year old and has really stepped up to help with caring for Luke. Amy is teaching swimming at the YMCA as part of the homeschool PE program and loves it. She also likes to read, watch movies with Natalie, play the piano and enjoys crafts. She started making a quilt last night; this will be her first one. PR: Pray that we (Sue and I) will not lean on Amy too much and that she will be able to be a normal 17 year old.

Natalie - Here too, my little girl (15 yr) is becoming a young woman. Natalie loves to play the piano, read, watch movies with Amy and knitting. She began knitting a scarf last night. Natalie's flag football team won the championship at the YMCA homeschool PE program. She play offensive and defensive line...Hmmm...Some how she seems a bit petite for a lineman...Yeah, but they Won!! PR: Natalie was supposed to get her drivers permit back in August, but we were on a trip and the Monday after we returned home was the day of Luke’s near drowning. Pray that we will be able to take her to get her permit and that she will pass the test.

Isaiah - Zaya as we call him, began taking swimming lessons as part of the YMCA homeschool PE program. He loves to swim and just moved up to the next level, so he is now a super pike. He is doing well and now that Mama is back home, seems to be adjusting to the routine. PR: Pray that he and Ezekiel will be best friends.

Ezekiel - Zeke is a busy, busy boy, he takes after Zaya :) He is very animated and says some of the funniest things. He is either really happy or kinda grumpy. There isn’t a lot of middle ground with Zeke. He too seems to be adjusting to Luke being home. Many mornings, he will get up before the other kids and go into Luke's room and climb up on a step stool and say "Good morning Luke!". In a little more then a week, Zeke will be turning 4, the time just flies.

Well, as you can see, questions help me know what to write, so keep them coming. Actually, I wrote this once and then the PC swallowed it and I had to write it again, so it might not be as long as it was. And you are probably saying "that’s okay" :)

Take care, and may God bless you Sunday as you worship Him.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I rejoice in every little step that is made and will be there for the long run. God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Lots of love, Auntie Cindy (-:

Teena said...

Thank you for answering my questions. I love when you tell us updates on the other children too! My eyes filled with tears as I read all you wrote. Our oldest son is also in college for ministry. Our oldest daughter is such a helper and our prayer is to not rely on her too much. Her and our Wyatt are so very close. Our almost 3 yr old is a very busy little boy... like your Zeke. :) I hope it is okay to tell about ours. Please tell Natalie that Mandi took her test and Mandi says Natalie will do great!! We continue to pray and think of you often. We will pray for the tests coming up and the gj-tube .... oh, and how about Sue? How many weeks does she have left?

May the Lord give you HIS strength and peace
Your GA Friends,
Billy, Teena, Michael 19, Mandi 15, Dakota 11, Alyssa 7, Wyatt 2.8 yrs, Wesley 15 months

Anonymous said...

Hi, this is Cindy, a friend of Chuck and shirley.
I want you to know I am reading everything you are posting regarding little Luke. My heart and prayers are going out for your family on a daily basis.
I am very happy that you are posting as often as you are. Thank you.
Psalms 145 18-19 The Lord is near to all those who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him, he hears their cry and saves them.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Amy........it's your buddy from the Romania trip.
Something is in the mail for you and to share with your mom too.
Luke, I am praying for you tonight to sleep 8 hours!
Bleesed be the Name of the Lord, blessed be the name.....
I have shared your post with our 40 Days of Purpose group that meets on Fri. nights and it was a perfect word. we were discussing how God uses circumstances in our lives........we respond with bitterness or we become better. Praise be to our God...who loves us.......I am thankful that you have a thankful heart and that you can proclaim God's goodness, even when circumstances are so hard.
I am praying for God to comfort you and to give you wisdom and discernment in all things.
Just remember.........you are God's favorite!
susan elias, Brea California